You’re hired!

TOP TRAINEE: Nissan apprentice of the year of the year Ethan Marshall from Chester-le-Street who is currently completing the final year of a foundation degree in maintenance engineering. He is pictured with Engineering Director Richard Ebraim.

Nissan has announced 25 new apprenticeships on its Trainee Maintenance Technician Scheme, while Barclays’ Doxford International call centre is to share in 1,000 new posts the bank is creating nationwide.

The new Nissan trainees will become part of the plant’s maintenance team, with a structured training programme leading to a foundation degree.

The roles are part of an ongoing recruitment campaign for engineers and maintenance technicians, as preparations continue for the launch of the new battery plant and production of the Leaf.

Nissan Sunderland plant engineering director Richard Ebrahim, who started his own career as an apprentice, said: “We are proud to support apprenticeships and would like to see more companies in our region doing so.

“Hiring apprentices is a tried and tested way of investing in the future of the company.

“It supports the development of future managers and directors, giving our staff the practical skills and academic qualifications they will need for a successful career.

“We are looking for ambitious, intelligent people with a desire to learn and work hard.

“In return they are guaranteed a challenging and rewarding career at a company that is at the forefront of the UK manufacturing industry.”

Barclays’ Retail and Business Banking division has a major programme launching in April, with posts across England and Wales.

The bank will select recruits based on aptitude and attitude rather than experience and qualifications, with a focus on people not currently in employment, education or training.

Successful applicants will receive a year’s training and work to achieve a financial services qualification similar to an NVQ, a Btec Award in customer service, and qualifications in numeracy and literacy.

Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays Retail and Business Banking, said: “Tackling youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK economy.

“As a large employer we want to create opportunities which raise young people’s skills and aspirations, and help them to support future prosperity.

“We are really excited about this programme because it will give many young people their vital first job opportunity, which they can then go on to develop into rewarding long-term careers.”

Applicants can register their interest from today by calling 03332 409 719. Anybody interested in the Nissan Apprenticeship Scheme should call the Training Section on 418 4219 for further information.